The Kayla Harrison celebration parade starts now.
On Saturday, Harrison won the UFC women’s bantamweight title with a second-round submission victory over Julianna Peña in the co-main event of UFC 316. The win is the culmination of the two-time Olympic gold medalist’s MMA journey, and as such, Harrison received a hero’s welcome when she returned to her gym, American Top Team, on Monday.
One of the most successful gyms in the sport, ATT is home to a number of champions, and a who’s who of MMA luminaries greeted Harrison in her return, including UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier. Now Florida based team adds another champion in Harrison — a two-time PFL champion as well — who was clearly ecstatic with the accomplishment.
“Yes, baby!!! We did it!” Harrison said as she went around the gym and hugged her teammates.
Harrison’s journey isn’t over yet. The new women’s bantamweight champion already has her first title fight lined up, a battle with former American Top Team teammate Amanda Nunes, who is coming out of retirement to square off with Harrison in a long-awaited superfight.
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